Does anyone use a thumb thimble? There are times when I'm quilting I get to a point where I use my thumb to push the needle through. As you know the eye of the needle also goes into my thumb and that hurts!!! I saw one that was like a ring and had a small cup type part on it where the needle would rest when it was pushed through.

I use a leather thimble.

I have not personally done that, but have seen others use them. I would think they would be more important if you are quilting using a frame rather than a hoop.

I use a tailor's thimble. It's big enough to fit my thumb.

Janet

I use a leather thimble, but only when I am stitching the binding down.

This is what I saw.

I quilt with my thumb all the time and use my fingernail but eventually drill a hole in the nail. So I sprung for a TJ Lane thimble that is big enough to fit my thumb. I have one for my index finger and one for my thumb. Prior to getting the TJ Lane I bought one like you are describing and I did not find it to work very well. The cup where the needle sits has no dimples or anything to hold the needle and I found my needle would slip or more aptly ricochet right out of it. I lost patience with it very quickly. Maybe with practice it would have worked. If you PM me your mailing address and if I can still find it I will be happy to mail it to you.

yes

What type do you use?

small round rubber discs ( minature idea of rubber jar dics )
I have replaced the idea of needing a thimble using these.

However, when hand quilting.. only use a quiters thimble, has a ridge around the top to catch the needle. differant from the round top thimble.

good post !
Ell

I use a thimble on my left thumb all of the time. I used to buy the short black leather ones. Most recently I discovered that if I cut down one of the brown leather ones I use on my right middle finger they worked just great and didn't constantly fall off like the black ones because it has a bit of elastic to help it stay on. I usely cut down one I have used for a while that is well broken in and starting to wear badly.

I bought so many different thimbles to try that I could open my own store. I finally bit the bullet and paid the price for a Roxanne. LOVE IT!! LOVE IT!! LOVE IT!! Did I say I love it? LOL!!!

I've used a leather thimble for my thumb.

I use leather but I make my own by cutting the fingers off soft leather gloves. I found this is the only way I can get one big enough to go over my arthritic knuckles. I also use two sided carpet tape on my finger nail to keep it in place.
How desperate is that?LOL

I tried a leather thimble and wore through it but didn't know it. Now I'm a little gunshy because when you don't expect the eye of that needle to go in your finger it hurts that much worse.

OUCH :!: :cry: Thanks for letting me know.

Oops, I'm getting out of here and you people are scaring me! I don't hand quilt, and have no desire to. Enjoy your thread without me. :-)

I use a leather thimble for my thumb when I do applique. Other than that, I don't use one. I never got used to using a thimble on any other finger. I guess it's all what you get used to.

LOL!! Where's your sense of adventure!

I tried countless thimbles but none of them were comfortable until I bought my Roxanne. I guard it with my life!

I collect thimbles, but can't seem to use one. When any kind of thimble is on my finger, I use a different finger to push the needle in. I have started hand embroidering again and the head of the needle makes it way into my finger. I purchased a pack of corn pads. Cut them into fourths and that is what I use on my finger to push the needle through. They stick on and it seems to work great.

This is what I use.

I think it left me the last time I decided to run for public office. :lol: Actually, hand sewing makes my hands ache. That my story and I'm stickin' to it.

I use the ring with the cup shape that you describe in your post. I also have others that are just rings. The first one is a Sashiko thimble and the others are ordinary Japanese thimbles. I got them because the other thimbles always fall off my fingers because of the shape of my fingertips being very tapered. The Japanese thimbles also leave your fingers free to hold needles easily. Clover sells them.

I checked on Clover's website and that's where I'd seen the others I thought might work. Thanks for reminding me. :-D

I think I have tried every shape, size and material thimble out there. I have longer nails and really like cheaper version of the Roxanne, haven't been able to bring myself to buy one yet. Then I'll be afraid I'll loose it. I have a thumble, used that for a while. I also keep a rubber finger on my index finger, like the mailman uses, so when my needle gets stuck in the quilt with too many stitches on I can pull it thru. Now I just use it all the time and I don't have to struggle with the needle going thru seams or anything.

I've got a box full of thimbles! Different sizes, shapes and materials but they all made me feel clumsy when quilting. I broke down and purchased my Roxanne about a month ago and what a difference!!! You don't even know it's there and works so well with long or short nails. I read online how to measure my finger for it and it said to use a jeweler's ring and add 1 size. I did that but think I'd been better off not adding a size. Maybe 1/2 a size if any. I was going to send it back and get a smaller size but decided to keep it because every time I went to put it in a box to mail it the thought of being without it for several weeks was horrible! Aren't we something?! LOL!!!

I guess I have a large finger for thimbles to fit, Joannes type are useless to me... this is a good discussion , but would you please identify your good thimbles ? I do not know the initial identity of what you like.

used to have one that was open so my long nail would fit, but don't have that anymore..... long story..... anyway, I would love to hear more about your favorite ones.

Kim

I use the Teds thumb thimble and love it. I even went and bought a second one so if I ever lost one I could still quilt. I also use the Roxanne thimble on my middle finger. I have 2 of them, one is a little larger because during the warmer months my finger is bigger. I also have the spoon and the paddle among many others but the Roxanne and Teds thumb thimble seem to work the best for me

I am a wacky quilter. I am left handed, use one leather thimble that I rotate from finger to thumb. When I get tired pushing with my finger, I switch to my thumb. It works for me. I have tried all kinds, but my favorite is the leather one with a knit top. It seems to hold on longer. I also trim down the length sometmes. I don't remember where I got it, Joann's or Hancocks, but it was $14.

My mother could not sew without them and always wanted me too but I really can't.

No. Never knew that they existed. Will look into it. Thanks.

I don't use a thumb thimble, but I do use a thimble on my middle finger. Either a Roxanne or a TJ Lane, I have 4 TJ Lanes, they are the greatest. I use the Roxanne when I have problems in pushing the needle through, it depends on the batting. Yes, I have put holes in the TJ Lane, but send them back to TJ Lane and they repair or replace. They are the greatest, I really prefer the fit of TJ Lane over the Roxanne, I guess, I feel that I get what I pay for.

I use a finger cot on my thumb and a leather thimble on my middle figner. I don't have to push needles through I just grab the needle and pull it through like butter. No problem and no poking!

I use a thimble on my middle finger. :D

Yes, I was taught to use them when I started quilting my first Hawaiian quilt. I was using a 36" hoop and the teacher said rather than turning the hoop all the time, i needed to learn to use the hoop. It is easy and so convenient when needing to go backwards or sideways. They are also called tailors Thimbles and you can get them at their supply stores. Don't know where they are? ask a shoe repair man!!! :) Jan

Aw! Come on, give it a try. It is the most relaxing time, I get lost in thought and just relax when I quilt. I absolutely love it. Jan

I use the cheap little pink thimble with the open back so my nail can stick beyond it. They are usually too big when I get them so I put it in boiling water for a minute of two and then take it out and put it on and squeeze it to fit. Works for me!!! Jan

I use a thimble on my middle finger as I haven't found one I truly like for my thumb. Before using thimbles wear them on your finger for several days so you get used to them. I use a feather weight thimble it is harder to find but less than $10.00. They are ring sized and have a heavy flat top with a ridge. I love mine and use it all the time. I also collect thimbles and small sewing kits. I found one the other day at my LTS it is an advertising one form the 1st National Bank of Arizona and has a piece of felt for the needles and pins then a braid of 16 different colored threads to sew with and a pair of scissors! In a very neat folder the size of a pocket comb. I just love my little treasures.

I use my acrylic nails...